Richard Gene Sandoval

Richard Gene Sandoval, 51, a resident of Santa Fe, departed this world on December 19, 2023. He is survived by his father, Gene Sandoval; grandmother, Lucy De Luna; son, Ricky Sandoval; siblings, Michelle Baca, Mike Sandoval and many families and friends.

Richard was born to his loving parents on August 16, 1972, in Bakerfields California. He and his family moved to New Mexico when Richard was in 8^th grade. Richard was a unique soul in that he did not want to stay in one place his whole life. Wanting to travel the world, and follow in his father’s footsteps, he joined the military. After his six-year journey in the military Richard went to bartending school in Las Vegas Nevada after which he returned to Santa Fe. It was here that he met the future mother of his only child and in 2000 welcomed his son, Ricky, into the world. He immediately fell in love with his son and worked in various locations in Santa Fe to be with him whenever he needed. In his time in Santa Fe, he met many great friends and individuals that encouraged his adventures. This led him to become a small business entrepreneur and get involved in many projects, where he could meet new people and learn something new. He was fascinated with different cultures and places, this led him to places like Russia, Greece, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Hawaii and many more. At the end of the day his son was his biggest priority and would always come back to where he was. Richard was many things to a lot of people, he always cared for the underdog when no one else would, he was always someone you could talk to when no one else would listen. A few words to best describe him would be mentor, leader, but the best would probably be friend.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Sandoval, his grandfather, Vincent De Luna and his sister-in-law Janette Sandoval.

Mass will take place on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10:00 am at Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Santa Fe, NM.  A reception will follow after mass.

The family of Richard Sandoval has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477